Can nurses use abbreviations in their documentation?

CNO does not publish a list of standard nursing abbreviations. The use of abbreviations and symbols in clinical documentation is determined and monitored by employers and individual organizations. 

Nurses are required to follow employer or site-specific policies that outline which abbreviations are permitted. This helps prevent misinterpretation, supports clarity, and maintains the integrity of the information being conveyed. Avoid abbreviations with multiple meanings or those not widely recognized in the clinical setting.

Self-employed nurses must apply their clinical judgment when using abbreviations, ensuring they support safe, clear, and professional communication in all documentation.